Family Portrait Outfits for Studio Photos in Minneapolis

There’s an art to styling family portraits. Especially when you're working with a playful crew, a holiday timeline, and a natural light studio that practically begs for soft neutrals. This family session, photographed in my Northeast Minneapolis studio, had all the right ingredients. Lively kids, laid-back parents, and outfits that made everything look effortlessly polished without trying too hard.

When people ask what to wear for family photos, and trust me, they always ask, I tell them this. Start with comfort. Aim for timeless. And let me help with the rest. When your family portrait outfits are thoughtfully styled, everything else comes together more easily. The session feels smoother, the images look better, and you feel confident.

A Closer Look at the Outfits

Mom wore a dusty blue dress from Baltic Born, which happens to be one of the most popular pieces in my studio wardrobe. It is soft, flattering, and just dressy enough to feel special without being over the top. This color is especially gorgeous in the soft, natural light of my studio. It flatters nearly every skin tone and photographs beautifully.

Her daughter wore a floral dress from Doen that felt like it was custom-made for her red curls. It had a vintage charm and a subtle pattern that stood out in the best way. Add gold Mary Janes and her natural sass, and she was a scene-stealer.

Dad kept it simple with a textured knit sweater and khakis. The look was clean and relaxed but still very pulled together. Their son wore an oatmeal sweater that might have come from my client closet or might have been from Gap. Either way, it matched the vibe perfectly.

This is a great example of styling that feels intentional without looking too coordinated. Soft blues and warm neutrals created a cohesive look that allowed everyone to stand out without clashing. These are the kinds of family portrait outfits that work well in any season and never go out of style.

Real Life in the Studio

Let’s clear something up. Just because the outfits looked calm and neutral does not mean the session was quiet. These kids had energy and plenty of it. We let them move, laugh, climb, and do their thing. I guided them just enough to keep the session on track but never tried to stifle their personalities.

This is why I care so much about styling. When the outfits are doing their job, the photos still look incredible even when your child decides to roll across the couch like it is a gymnastics mat. Well-chosen clothing allows for movement and play without compromising the overall look of the images.

Let Me Handle the Styling

If you are dreading the part where you have to figure out what everyone is going to wear, please know you are not alone. Most families feel that way before their session. That is why I take styling off your plate as much as possible.

My studio wardrobe is full of handpicked pieces that look amazing on camera. I have dresses for moms, basics for dads, and cozy, neutral options for little ones under five. You are welcome to use a few items or build your entire look from the collection.

For those who prefer to shop their own closet or buy something new, I send out a monthly Looks Book filled with curated outfit boards and clickable links. Some clients follow it exactly. Others use it as a jumping-off point. Either way, it saves you from wandering aimlessly through online retailers at midnight while questioning your life choices.

I also help you mix and match if you want to combine pieces from your closet with items from the studio. We will work together to make sure everything feels cohesive and looks great in the final gallery.

What Made This Session Special

Besides the wardrobe choices and adorable personalities, what stood out most was how relaxed this family felt. They trusted the process. They let go of expectations. And they allowed their kids to show up exactly as they are.

That trust is everything. It is what creates photos that feel real and emotional instead of stiff and posed. When families feel confident in what they are wearing and supported during the session, the results speak for themselves.

The studio setting helped too. My Northeast Minneapolis studio is filled with natural light, white walls, and wood floors that create a clean and calming environment. The simplicity of the space lets the family shine. And when the outfits complement that setting, everything just clicks.

FAQ for Studio Family Sessions

What should we wear for a studio family session?
Stick with soft tones, clean textures, and neutral colors. Avoid anything with logos or loud patterns. You can borrow from my studio wardrobe, shop using the Looks Book I send, or do a little of both.

How long does a studio session take?
This particular session was a Signature Session, which runs about 45 to 60 minutes. That timeframe allows us to slow down, ease into things, and capture a full variety of images. Most families in the studio opt for a Petite Session, which is 30 minutes long and still provides plenty of time for beautiful portraits—especially with young kids who tend to peak around the 20-minute mark. You know your family best, and we can always chat about which option makes the most sense for you.

Can we bring our own outfits instead of using the studio wardrobe?
Absolutely. Many families bring their own clothing, and I’ll help you coordinate everything so it all works together. In fact, this mom wasn’t sure if I’d have what she needed, so she brought over $500 worth of options... with tags still on, just in case. She ended up using pieces from the studio wardrobe for herself and the kids and returned most of what she brought (except for dad and the boys’ pants). Whether you show up with a full shopping haul or prefer to borrow from the client closet, we’ll make it work.

Ready to Book Your Family Photo Session?

If you have been putting off family photos because figuring out what to wear feels overwhelming, I promise it does not have to be. With a little planning and some guidance from me, you can walk into your session feeling confident and completely prepared.

I will help you choose family portrait outfits that make sense for your style and your setting. Whether you use the studio wardrobe, the Looks Book, or a combination of the two, you will be in great shape. And once we have that sorted out, all that is left to do is show up, have fun, and let your family be exactly who they are.

Click here to book your session or reach out if you have questions. I would love to photograph your family either on location or in my Northeast Minneapolis studio.

Michele is a Minneapolis-based family photographer with over 15 years of experience helping parents feel confident in front of the camera—and even more confident about what to wear. Known for her warm style, quick wit, and ability to roll with toddler energy like a pro, she specializes in simple, timeless portraits that feel like home. Her natural light studio in Northeast Minneapolis is stocked with a thoughtfully curated client wardrobe, and she’s the kind of photographer who will gently steer you away from anything itchy, sparkly, or neon.

When she’s not behind the camera, she’s probably curating another Looks Book or fielding texts from clients wondering if this cream is “too cream.” Spoiler alert: it’s not.

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